An intense cold wave gripped Delhi on Thursday leading to very poor visibility due to dense fog and a minimum temperature of 5.8°C – lower than the season’s average.
The fog cover resulted in the delay of 24 trains entering the capital in the early hours. Visuals showed people huddled around fires trying to keep warm as the cold wave tightened its grip.
24 Train to Delhi from various parts of the country are running late due to dense fog conditions pic.twitter.com/OiRjC42YPM
— ANI (@ANI) January 11, 2024
Delhi’s Safdarjung observatory recorded a minimum temperature of 5.8°C while Lodhi Road logged 5.6°C. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said cold day conditions have prevailed in the capital for the past couple of days. Just yesterday, a yellow alert for similar conditions was issued in parts of the city.
#WATCH दिल्ली: राष्ट्रीय राजधानी में शीतलहर और कोहरा जारी है। लोग ठंड से बचने के लिए अलाव का सहारा ले रहे हैं।
— ANI_HindiNews (@AHindinews) January 10, 2024
वीडियो आनंद विहार और जामा मस्जिद इलाके से है। pic.twitter.com/J1uf3e37HA
Citizens took refuge in night shelters deployed by the government to provide the homeless population with blankets, beds, hot meals, and drinking water during extreme weather events. Schools have extended winter break for junior classes till January 12 given the harsh cold.
#WATCH दिल्ली: राष्ट्रीय राजधानी में शीतलहर जारी है। लोग ठंड से बचने के लिए रैन बसेरों में शरण ले रहे हैं।
— ANI_HindiNews (@AHindinews) January 10, 2024
(वीडियो जामा मस्जिद इलाके के एक रैन बसेरे से है) pic.twitter.com/d7hZXtptlb
North Indian states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan have also been experiencing below-normal temperatures since early January. As per the IMD’s latest predictions, the region is expected to reel under dry and cold weather in the coming days.
While Delhi recorded its lowest minimum of the season at 5.3°C on Tuesday, the cold spell is projected to intensify this week based on forecasts. The weather office has urged governments to take necessary measures as exposure can lead to health risks.
